In the spring of 1993, Bruce leaned further into his new band’s strengths with their gorgeous cover of a country-gospel classic.
Author:
Ken Rosen (2080)
One time only: Bruce soundchecks “Dimples” in 1988 before settling on “Boom Boom” as his steamy early-set John Lee Hooker cover.
A bonus track that could have been a title track, “Swallowed Up” is the thematic centerpiece of one of Bruce’s strongest albums.
Now here’s a recipe: Start with inspiration from Leiber and Staller, add lyrics by Bruce, music by Steve, and lead vocals by Southside Johnny. Ice with backing vocals by The Drifters, and you’ve got pure pop confection.
Bruce’s one-time-only performance of “Blue Bayou” with Roy Orbison and friends went missing in action for years after being edited out of Roy’s Black and White Night TV special, but you can watch that beautiful performance here.
Jerry Lee Lewis’ 1958 single might have been overshadowed by personal drama and the camp classic the song introduced, but Bruce drew inspiration from it for an unusual Halloween show opener.
Recorded too late to become the hit it should have been, “Don’t Look Back” is one of Bruce’s rarest and hardest-rocking anthems. Let’s take a look at its evolution inside.
Staying at home? Sheltering in place? Here’s just the thing to lift your spirits: Turn up the volume and get ready to dance to Lucca Lazaro’s infectious cover of Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hit.
One of the earliest songs Bruce wrote in the Nebraska era, the unfinished “Danger Zone” stands apart as a warm and tender ballad deserving of attention.
One time only: a very young Bruce Springsteen and his high school band The Castiles tackle one of the earliest songs to introduce the Indian raga sound to western rock music.